Barbara Coombs

Barbara's Story

Text size

HAMPDEN AND BANGOR - Barbara Shirlene Coombs, 89, passed away peacefully in her sleep on November 5, 2015. She was born September 8, 1926, in Lincolnville the daughter of Donald I. and Alice (Miller) Patten.

Shirlene graduated from Crosby High School in Belfast. She married Frank H. Coombs Jr. on April 14, 1950. She and Frank owned and operated the U-Ota-Bowl Bowling Lanes in Belfast from 1956 to 1986. This is where she cared for many children when their parents were bowling, she called these her "bowling brats." Shirlene's love for bowling led her to a Maine State Candlepin-Bowling Champion. She also worked for a number of years as a switchboard operator for the telephone company. Shirlene was also known as a cashier at many of the local super markets in the Belfast area. There are many great memories of times at camp in Northport at Birch Crest. She was a life member of the Frank D. Hazeltine American Legion Post No. 43 Auxiliary of Belfast as well as the American Legion Auxiliary. She truly enjoyed being a part of a large family of 16 brothers and sisters living on a farm. The past 4 years Shirlene resided at the Phillips-Strickland house in Bangor surrounded by many great friends.

She is survived by a son, Frank H. Coombs III and wife Bobbi of Hampden; grandchildren, Joshua Coombs and wife Genevieve, of Waterboro, and Erin Coombs of Hampden; two sisters, Mona and Sandra; three brothers Keith, John and Dwight; and numerous other nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Frank H. Coombs on Nov. 13, 2012; and by 10 brothers and sisters.

Friends may call from 1-2 PM, Tuesday, Nov. 10, at the Hampden-Gilpatrick Chapel of Brookings-Smith, 45 Western Avenue, Hampden, where a celebration of life memorial service will be held at 2 PM, with Chaplain Joseph Dunton, presiding. Private interment will be at Lakeview Cemetery, Hampden, following the service. Gifts in Shirlene's memory may be made to Bangor Humane Society, 693 Mt. Hope Avenue, Bangor, ME 04401. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.